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Volunteers clean up Petersburg Campground

Keyson Whiteside (left) and Ian Stocum clear brush from a campsite at the Petersburg Campground at Clarks Hill Lake on Saturday. The youngsters were among the ''Day of Service'' volunteers at the park.

Photo by Scott Rouch Army Corps of Engineers ranger David Quebedeaux (right) points out where work has been done to Lt. Col. Tom Woodie, USACE Savannah District deputy commander (left) and Col. Jeff Hall, USACE Savannah District commander, Saturday at the Petersburg Campground.

Photo by Scott Rouch Army Corps of Engineers ranger David Quebedeaux (right) points out where work has been done to Lt. Col. Tom Woodie, USACE Savannah District deputy commander (left) and Col. Jeff Hall, USACE Savannah District commander, Saturday at the Petersburg Campground.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees and volunteers descended on the Petersburg Campground on Clark’s Hill Lake Saturday to help with cleanup and maintenance projects.

“It’s National Public Lands Day, a day of service for any nationally-operated park,” said Scott Hyatt, USACE operations project manager.

The “Day of Service” officially began at 8 a.m., and by 9:30 a.m. USACE ranger David Quebedeaux estimated there were 45 people scattered across the campground.

“We’re in a half-dozen camps clearing out vegetation, and we’ll be in another half-dozen in the next half-hour,” said Quebedeaux.

Joyce Holcombe, a volunteer for 40 years, was happy to see others coming out.

“This is a real blessing,” said Holcombe. “I’m glad people are getting involved and volunteering. It’s their community.”

Tom Stocum, a Corps employee, was there with four of his grandchildren and had a few reasons for helping out.

“It’s useful,” he said. “It’s a fun activity for the kids.”

Strom Thurmond High School student Keyson Whiteside was with the Stocums helping clear trees from in front of a campsite. Their work made a visible difference to campers Taylor and Matt Wilsey.

“We were here last week and we could barely see the water,” said Taylor. “I think it’s awesome.”

The efforts of the volunteers didn’t go unnoticed by the top brass who came down from Savannah for the day. “It’s great the community comes out and helps clean up the parks,” said Col. Jeff Hall, USACE Savannah District commander.